Yes I am choosing Eugene Flinn. I don't have the energy to write a blog about it but I just felt it was time to shit or get off the pot. It was one of the hardest choices I ever made because I like Annette Taddeo and Albert Harum Alvarez as people. I also like Danny Marmorstein, he is a sweet guy and he would drive the rest of the Commissioners crazy as they would have to be nice to him. A lot of them would be afraid they would rot in Hell if they weren't. There might be a new civility there with Danny. I did write a long blog on why I didn't choose one of the other candidates, but what is the point? Yes I know Gene's weak point, he has a temper, I hope he isn't a grudge holder like Sally Heyman, one of those is enough on the County Commission. It comes down to that I just think Gene would do the best job out of all the candidates. I also was disappointed in all the candidates that did NOT show up at the Turkey Point NRC scoping meeting. That was a must -- it was in the district. It is going to impact district 8 big-time. Katy went. The Candidates ALL should have gone. Only Albert and Gene went. Then Albert canceled out this plus when he didn't have the discretion to boycott a Christian Family Coalition (gay bashers) meeting. I am not saying Albert is anti-gay here.
I don't think you can go terribly wrong with your own choice as long as you don't pick Lynda Bell and Obdulio Piedra.
So that is my choice after much soul searching and talking to people I respect: Gene Flinn. Go Gene! There will be a run-off and then I think I will make all my reasoning known. But for now I have one personal message for someone I didn't choose: In religion you follow their rules, in politics you follow OTHER rules: Law. You can't be a proper lawmaker if you don't respect what is legal in these United States. (Photo of Gene Flinn at the Tropical Audubon Annual Meeting.)
55 comments:
You made a great pick, in my book. What some people don't know about him, he really has a great sense of humor. He also really knows this District and has been involved in more local issues and County issues than I can post in this note! GO GENE!
THANK YOU EOM! (no, this isn't Gene, his wife or kids, just someone who really believes he's the best person for the Commission Seat)
I think that Gene will try hard to be a thoughtful legislator. It is OUR job as voters to make sure that he (or any commissioner) knows the facts about our needs, wants, and desires.
I know, though, he can't make me happy all the time. I am one constituent out of 1000's, and they all have a voice in the district as well. Way to go Eugene.
Kind of disappointed in the line about religion meaning following THEIR rules. The word religion means tie to God, and each tie is as unique as the individual maintaining. I am Catholic, and an attorney who believes in our democracy as strongly as anyone I've met. I took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, and I do whole heartedly because I believe in the tenets of our forefathers which called for a government by majority vote by the people, for the people. I maintain this faith in the best form of government yet, while I maintain my Faith with inner peace. Again, I am an attorney, I am a woman, and I am disappointed that Genius of Despair over simplified religion to a point of mindlessness and incongruence with lawful service to our communities in government. Without support for any particular District 8 Candidate as of yet, I expected greater insight and intellect from you Genius.
A lawmaker has to follow the law. You hold your nose if don't like the law but you follow the letter of the law. If your faith interferes with your ability to uphold the law, then you don't practice law.
If you feel the law is a stumbling block to you walking the walk, then get out of the profession and lead the community as a community leader - where, by the way, the law still applies to activists.
Thank you, GoD for keeping things in balance.
S
I said I wrote a long blog on this because it bothered me so much. The candidate and I had LONG telephone conversations.I am just not going to go into it as it pains me right now. That was a shorthand statement to the candidate who knows what it is about. My advice let's not have a religious pissing match on who is the most Catholic or most any thing. Suffice it to say-- not printing my long blog was in the candidates best interest.
Now we all have to get out the word.
Lynda Bell is very effective as a door to door campaigner just as Sorensen was. I venture to say that most voters out there do not read this blog nor are they familiar with her history of nastiness while in office or her close ties to groups that are alsmost so far right as to be out of the mainstream by most any definition.
This campaign will be won, I hope, on shoe leather and if Gene is not out on the street everyday, we may see a Bell/ Taddeo runoff which is second in the "OMFG factor" only to a Taddeo/ Obedulio runoff. O.P. is clearly not doing any door to door hoofing it and in Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay, that is a must.
Gene is a great choice! I would like to see a runoff between Gene and Albert.
Put on your red shies, Gene. When the wizard of oz endorses you, you can click your heels ang go home to victory!
"Render unto Caesar…" is the beginning of a phrase attributed to Jesus in the synoptic gospels, which reads in full, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (“Ἀπόδοτε οὖν τὰ Καίσαρος Καίσαρι καὶ τὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ τῷ Θεῷ”) (Matthew 22:21).
Gene walks District every day! Even on his Birthday. He knows what he needs to do.
GO GENE, GO!
Not a warm guy but a very good man. I hope he wins. I also have been struggling on this decision, but Bell was not one of my choices.
I'm voting for Albert as an environmentalist, a business manager, a hard working honest man and the best person for job . . . by the way, he is not anti-gay as implied by Genius's opening paragraph.
I wonder what hte delay is for Bell getting her campaign report filed, now 4 days late if you count weekends.
Gene has been out there as an activist since Palmetto Bay was trying to get incorporated. he has long served the community. I believe there are a lot of good candidates in this race and it took me long to make up my mind too. When Pam Gray went to support Gene, that is when I decided. I liked Pam very much.
So, only Agnostics and Atheists can run for office according to the blogger . . . what happened to the melting pot? I'm a Democrat for Albert, he is the only true environmentalist left running and the only candidate in favor of terms limits to the point where he promises to impose his own by serving only 2 terms if elected. I'm sick of the political dynasties that get people into office who do nothing for decades.
You Albert supporters have pushed my buttons. You asked for it:
So here is my explanation:
First let me say I like Albert very much. I know him for many years. His wife is lovely and his 3 children are a joy to be around, his mom is also very likable. Albert is smart, ethical and very talented. I think he is thoughtful and very green. He could make a good County Commissioner.
All that said, I am saddened to say that I cannot endorse Albert Harum-Alvarez.
Although a registered Republican, I am a Democrat. Albert has some beliefs as a Catholic that I can't agree with, and I am also a Catholic although I am banned from sacraments for marrying outside my religion. In religion you follow their rules, in politics you follow OTHER rules: Law.
So here is my problem. Albert's religious stuff. The law of the land, like it or not, is that abortions are legal. Choice is legal.
Albert does not believe in choice, he says because he is Catholic. Fine. But it STILL is the law in the USA. I asked him if he could be against choice for himself and not be against it for others (like me who supported choice), i.e. Could it be his personal belief only. He said no, that, he said, wouldn't be honestly how I feel, abortion is wrong for all. I look at that -- putting his beliefs and those of his church above the law -- as an undesirable quality for a policymaker and lawmaker, especially in such a culturally diverse community as Miami Dade County. It made me start to wonder, how else could this play into his role as a legislator at the County. As a future lawmaker, the law has to be the first priority in my opinion. Each cultural and individual belief, must be respected and protected no matter what personal background or beliefs a public servant has -- especially if they are legal.
When Albert chose to attend a forum and seek support and endorsement from a very controversial gay bashing group, The Family Christian Coalition, and also the Christian Coalition -- my sense of social justice and respect for the rights of all, no matter what their sexual orientation kicked in. I realized, I could not support a candidate that I liked personally but who held fundamentally opposing views to mine. I believe he would try to impose his views on me since he would not allow for differing views when I point-blank asked him. I was willing for him to have a differing 'personal belief' and could have supported him. That wasn't enough for him. I thought, what if a Catholic Church in unincorporated Miami-Dade came before Albert for some land-use change? Would they be more likely to get a positive vote? What if they were building a Catholic hospital that banned abortion? He might well have a gay or abortion rights issue directly on the County Commission (partner rights and medical coverage have been the subject of county votes). Albert has told me where his priorities are foremost, and in my opinion the priorities of a public servant should be elsewhere: on upholding the law. Albert said that his political consultant told him not to go to the screenings. He should have listened. And, Albert, you should have skipped the LBA screening as well. You have to show some discretion, as some of the other candidates have.
Gene has a GREAT record on Environmental issues. Anyone following CERP would know what he's done and the miracle called Deering is a crown jewel, with Commissioner Sorensen & Mayor Flinn working so hard.
Look at the green Corridor Gene worked so hard to make come true and what about the PACE bond issue.
He's the strongest on the environment out of all the candidates. He has a great track record of getting things done too!
If you insult the blogger... You will be deleted.
To anonymous above- it was not implied by the blogger--It was implied that Albert was anti gay by his actions -- showing up at an anti gay group for endorsement.
I know Catholics who married outside of their religion and are still practicing including myself . . . sacraments and all. What's that got to do with District 8? (I support pro-choice legislation, too, for the record.)
I'd like a runoff between Albert and Gene with some good debate between voting days.
Good to hear that Gene got endorsed by my favorite blogger!
You had better check your Catholicism reader above. I was married to a Jewish woman 15 years ago and I too am banned. Maybe you never asked. I spoke to two priests when I wanted to resume communion they said I would have to have a second marriage in the church first. Sure I can just go in and have communion but what would be the point of that?
Finally, an intelligent endorsement. At least GoD endorsed someone with a record!
Can we please get off AHA. He will get other endorsements. Sour grapes is what I say.
Good work Gene...
Focus, focus. UDB? Green development? Employment increase through small business? Sustainable growth?
Genius' endorsement is meaningless.
Money talks in this "little piece of heaven". People here (just like any other place) react to pretty pictures and glossy mailers.
Taddeo WILL WIN by a long shot! I'll even put it out there that there won't even be a runoff. This race was decided the day Taddeo announced she was running.
Think about it - Why else would a national defense contractor influence a local commission race? They know the odds and "invest" accordingly.
I'm happy for Gene for your endorsement. Actually, I like Gene, Annette and Albert for the commission . . . this is going to be a tough call. They each bring different valuable experience but their positions are really rather similar on many issues; character might play a bigger role than usual to decide this time.
Genius, I honor the fact that you've struggled to be fair to me, even as you choose Gene. I think it's very fair to say that neither of us has understood one another's views completely yet, though we've both tried.
You've gotten me wrong here, but you're not the first, and you won't be the last. I'm okay with that—it comes with the territory. My only suggestion to voters who have yet to decide is to look at my life's work as a guide to my beliefs and convictions. Here's a two page bio: http://electalbert.com/bio.pdf. Or give me a call at 305 331-1500.
Two points:
---
Being strong in your faith is NOT equal to rejecting the rule of law.
The only way to bridge differences is to be willing to MEET and ENGAGE with different people. I've always done this, and I won't stop now.
---
Thanks again, Genius. It's because of you and GimletEye that we have a place to work these things out online.
Last anon, Gene is very strong in all of the above mentioned issues.
To Albert: If we consider your decision to be anti-choice as a negative, is there anything else that would still make you a better candidate than Gene?
To last anon, "is there anything else that would still make you a better candidate than Gene?"
Are u serious? I dont think there's enough room on this blog!
Last Anon. I asked myself the same question, and after looking at the information presented by both Gene and Albert, and having attended many of the public speaking opportunities for the candidates I've notice three main differences (regarding issues) between Gene and Albert that makes Albert a better candidate even seeing pro-life as a negative:
1. Albert's history of environmentalism over many years that has already helped in District 8 and will continue even stronger if he is elected. He is really the only environmentalist candidate practicing what he preaches in this regard to the full extent suburban life allows.
2. Albert has been fighting developers for decades to encourage the right kind of growth in district 8, but done so in a most civil manner.
3. Albert's stated belief in strict term limits.
Albert is always a gentleman.
Albert. Doesn't know how to get to the point. He gets stuck in minor issues And ignores the bigger picture. He comes with the right view and then tries to please everyone and waivers and makes concessions.
Good luck Mr. mayor.
Bell's report is up. $24k in contributions and $16k in loans.
I agree with the last anon, Albert is a very nice man - maybe too nice.
Someone else made an accusation about Albert a while back - "He'll go along to get along". I thought that was a thoughtless accusation but after seeing him make his remarks to the christian group, I'm convinced this is really more accurate. Either you're conservative or you're liberal. This district is liberal. It has no room for conservative extremeism and anyone who caters to them ,as well as the liberals is suspect in my view.
The Commission is a place where if you want anything of significance to get done, you have to wield your power and influence, otherwise, you're nothing.
With ALbert, he can be a great therapist but these are not the qualities we want in a County Commissioner.
Good work Mayor Flinn
This is a position that deals with zoning issues. If you believe in sky fairies or Zeus, keep it to yourself.
Ever since Albert came to our door, I have been watching this race and of all Of all the candidates, Albert Harum Alvarez is the one who is not in the political mainstream. He has fought for the good of the people of Miami Dade and I believe that he will continue to do so as commissioner. In addition, he believes, as I, do in Term Limits! I heard him say that he will only serve two terms.
Albert has my vote!
Mr. Flinn is also very green. He is not only a strong believer in green energy, he has worked with other mayors in south dade to put his beliefs to work. Our village hall is going to be a minimum of 60% self generating of power--the city is collecting rainwater for irrigation of the grounds... It is a neat plan.
He has joined us with CERP and he has joined us with the UDB issue. He is there when it counts.
Why is everyone talking about abortions in District 8 now? It was never an issue when the current officeholder held fundraisers to help women cover the expense of abortions.
I am delighted that you have endorsed Gene. I respect your opinion, and I agree with you. Gene is a strong candidate with a solid platform. He has the skills and experience to be affective. We are going to need it in these coming years.
Just took a look at the Lynda Bell report. As suspected, the vast majority of the donations come from those persons and entities related to the Torcise family of the rock mining industry. This includes their companies, their attorneys and extended family at 500 bucks a pop. The only donation that does not make sense is from David Peyton who is pres of First National Bank. I would think this would risk losing business from Homestead. Watch for the move of lots of money if the city still has any with that bank. I bet he did not clear this with Bill Loser.
Speaking of Rock mining, we really need people to show up at CC11 meeting in September to speak against this newest rock laundering scheme.
The Commission seat is a meat grinder; Albert and
Danny would wind up as hamburger. Annette wants
to use the position as a stepping stone to greater
things, read: Washington, DC, when she has never,
ever put a foot on the path. Linda is in lala land.
Piedro is owned by the developers.
There really is no choice but Gene. He will hit the ground running. He knows the lay of the land, how the system really works, or doesn't. Going on to the Commission with the intention of loving them to death or counting on reason and rationality to win the day is unreasonable and irrational. You need a realist with grit.
Gene is an attorney, a seasoned and tested, and
committed politician. You don't send a boy to do
a man's job. He will listen and will discuss an issue until you both have your views out there. Gene
understands the many threats to this county, and
they are endless. It would take years for any of the
other candidates to reach Genes level of experience
and knowledge of the system; we do not have years
for this to occur in other candidates. Vote Gene.
I thought Bill Corgan was totally bald?
...not even close.
I heard that Gene Flynn was at the $250 dollar a plate Miami Dade Republican Party fundraiser last night. Does anyone know if this is true?
How funny you are. Gossiping much?
Eugene was in the same building for another event and dropped in to say hi at the the republican event. He was there all of 15 minutes.
The last I heard the commission is not a partisan race.
To last anon, Yes, Commission races are non partisan. BUT,
It is one thing is to "pass-by" the Republican dinner, another thing altogether to try to get as close as possible to the one politician who has pledged to anyone who cares to hear, that he will undo all the good things that President Obama has tried to do for America so far!
I have it on very good authoriy that the "good" Mayor was snuck-in to the private reception by a congressional staffer and certainly stayed more than 15 minutes! I guess he's reading some of the polls that are out there (and not just the ones on the Senate race). Could this be a case of hypocracy or maybe its just that he can't say "NO" to anyone or any one group, like good ol' Albert Harum-Alvarez?
I wonder if Flinn will post his pictures with Eric Cantor and Marco Rubio on his Facebook page?
Time will tell, depending on the week's polling.
Dear Republican person:
I really don't a hoot about political parties. But, if it matters, Flinn was born a Dem and still is.
He is a sitting Mayor and yup, he can move about the community where you or I can't go.
Unfortunately, sometimes that means having pictures taken (and being polite) with people that you may not personally agree with or even like. I am sure he would stand next to you for a photo if you asked. He is a nice guy. And you would never know what he was thinking.
To, "oh pleaseeeee":
Yes, of course, when you're a sitting elected official, sometimes you do have to go see people you don't "agree with or even like" when you're dealing with issues - that's part of the job. However, in this case, the Lincoln Day Dinner, just like the Jefferson/Jackson Day Dinner is the most partisan celebratory event of the year for both parties - giving the audience nothing but the reddest of meats in political rhetoric.
Mayor Flinn didn't have to go to this event, nothing official going on here - he chose to go anyway.
But as bad as that was, Mr. "lifelong Dem" even received a "shout out" from the Republican dais, no less! Interesting.
Now, you say that Flinn's "a nice guy" and, as such, if anyone wants a picture with him, he'll pose with you or anyone else who asks. Even if he may not like you. Of course, that too happens all the time. However, when you go to the ultra-exclusive and very expensive private receptions at these events, its the guest (Flinn) who's there to get close TO and take pictures WITH the guest/s of honor - in this case, Eric Cantor and Marco Rubio.
No one forced him to go to the private reception. I wonder what pressing policy matters where discussed between him and Cantor? Marco's not even an elected official anymore and it looks like his candidacy may not have what it takes to overcome Crist so why go and "make nice" with despicable people?
What?! are we to see the good Mayor taking pictures with Sarah Palin next?
The reason he went is because he can't compete with Taddeo or Piedra for money and he is hoping that if he panders enough to the very wealthy Republican donors (at the private reception) he'll be able to get some much needed $$$ to revive his flagging campaign, even if it means taking a picture with "Marquito."
And why isn't "lifelong Dem" Flinn getting any "love" from his supposed base? Oh, that's right, they are all blindly "loving" Taddeo.
Flinn just got caught pandering, that's all. And not at all in good form, Mr. "Lifelong Dem."
Last anan: Your comments are uninformed and must be from one of the other campaigns. I was hoping Dist. 8 would not get nasty but with Bell and one or two others who can't win honestly, slam your opponent with nonsense and see what sticks. But, the street does go both ways. So, be careful what you sling, it could come back.
At least Taddeo dosen't have to go to any stinking Republican events for cash or votes!
No, she has her lapdog, Marin, for that.
Who cares if she's clueless on the issues, she's got special interest $$$ to burn.
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